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Internship searching
When I started looking for some available intership in Insight XP I was thinking about some Spanish speaking countires. I wanted to learn Spanish and always liked “Latinos”, their mentality, way of thinking, making fun of everything and not taking anything seriously. I filled my SN form, with my specification, what kind of job I was looking for. After two weeks I received invitation from LC Juarez, that they are interested in my SN. So I checked their TN and it really looks interesting. Mexico, Tequila, Mariachis, accouting job, nice wheater. I was not thinging long. I accepted it and I made one of my best decision in my life.
Arrival
I came to Juarez 10th of February 2007. It was a long flight; I change the plane 2 times, in Frankfurt and in Atlanta. I started my journey at 6 in the morning Saturday Europe time and I arrived 8pm to El Paso Central US time (because its cheaper).In total it took me 22 hours. For a record I can't sleep well in public transportation. Aiesec people gave me warm welcome on the airport and took me right away to big Aiesec party in my new home. Over there I met most of my future friends, tried Mexican beer and spirit of Mexican parties. Party finished at 4 in the morning the other day. I didn't sleep much and after a while I realized, that I will have to get use to this. New York is a city which never sleeps, and Juarez is a same. In Juarez are a lot of parties and always a lot of staff to do. In the whole yer here I was never bored I and have always something to do.
Accomodation
In the time when I was coming to Juarez, there were two interns already. Fernando de Brazil and Fernando de Chile. They found the place for themselves already so I joined them in their accommodation. In the beginning we were not having a lot of staff. But after 2 months everything settle down, we bought something, aisecers gave us some staff and step by step we collected everything what we need for confortable living. In my room I was starting with a mattress. But after small reconstruction, buying furniture and carpet I really felt like home in my room. In the summer was kind of hot, but you can always get of the clothesJ. In the winter was kind of cold but you can always heat up yourself with Tequila J Our place was really good situated. 10 minutes getting to work and all places you need very close (shopping center, gas station, fast food, restaurants, gym)
Transportation
Juarez is big new city. It is spread on huge area. From nice local viewpoints in the night you can't even see the end of the city. Aproximately here live 1.7 million people. For this huge area is difficult to create good public transportation system. Everybody is having a car here. Life without car here is difficult. Even thou I was living without car first 2 months. I was getting ride from my work collegues or I was taking a bus. Buses don't go on time so you can't rely on them, but most used lines go really often. Gasoline is cheap here so car transportation is not expensive. Used cars market is big, so everybody can pick up the car of his dreams J
Work in Johnson Controls
That I will work in Mexico I found out in the beginning of January and my flight to Mexico was set for 10th of February. So I was having like 1 month to take care of my working visas. In Mexican embassy in Prague, they told me that procedure is long and complicated. So I left to Mexico without working visas. Since I arrived, I asked migration office in Juarez for working permission and in 1 week they approved so I was free to work.
In Johnson Controls I was working intercompany department. We were taking care of charges within the company Johnson Controls. It was quite new department. It was a big mess in accounting books. First months was quit chalanging to understand all process and clear issues, which sometimes were two years old. I really enjoyed the job. I was having perfect team, who was working with me. Atmosfere at job was always easy going. All my collegues became my good friends and I spent a lot of free time with them. Also thanks to them I get know Juarez, Mexico and Mexican habits.
I really enjoyed my job. In the end of my intership, they offered me job in Johnson Controls Shared Service Center in Slovakia - Bratislava and I accepted. I like the company JCI. Its company with worldwide scope and I can continue to travel with the company and still be in touch with my friends from Johnson Controls.
Travelling
Chiuhuahua state is the biggest one of all Mexicans states; It can offer you various of landscapes, such as desert, mountains, rivers and streams, waterfalls. In Chihuahua is also the biggest canyon in the world (YES, it is not Grand Canyon). Its name is Cooper canyon and its close to city Creel. I recommend you taking CHEPE train from capital city Chihuahua to Creel. The way offers you spectacular view of Chihuahua landscapes.
Capital city Chihuahua can offer various museums of Mexican independence and revolution. If you are fan of wintersport, you can go to skiing center in Ruidoso, close in New Mexico State. California, Nevada, Las Vegas, Gran Canyon are little bit further, but still reachable. After spending time here in Mexico, I change my way of thinking about distances. Everything is close now. 18 hours in the bus is nothing J After some travelling here you will find out J
Food
Mexico is having specific cousine, wellknown worldwide. You can say that it's a little bit spicyJ. I was not having problems with spicy food. Before I was eating a lot of Chinese food, so it was ok for me. Mexican people eat a lot and all the time. Prepare yourself for a lot of BBQs with avocados, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salsas, hot dogs hamburgers (but better Mexican style). Food is important part of Mexican culture and I fall in love with it, meanwhile eating me first Mexican meal. In the company, we were getting lunch .Various selection of tree meals, coca-cola drinks, lemonades, juices, salad buffet\and desserts.
Summary
Everybody is expecting something different from his AIESEC intership. I was having tree goals here. To learn Spanish, to get some experience from my accouting major and get known Mexican culture. I fulfill all of my goals, so my mission here is complete. It was amazing experience during the whole year, which I will never forget. With this essay I would like to also thank to LC Juarez. During my year here there were to LCs. Both of them are doing really good job, helping interns to have life easier. |
“If you decide to come, I guarantee you that you will have really good time as I did.”
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